Make sure all the CB's record good score for you. If you are working with a lender who works with another CB which reports a lower score, you might just get stuck there. It is really very important to to ensure the validity of all the reports._________________Keep in touch
Carol

Continuous quarterly review of your CB report will alert you to any fraud or theft incidents. And, speaking with a credit management professional will always help. This community is great -- you can ask questions and get some direction. However, researching the wealth of information out there can be tough!

Try to be as specific as possible with your facts when asking questions, too.

I know there is a FREE way to get your CR's (only once a year..however)......Annualcreditreport.com. However....if you want to get it every quarter, don't you have to pay for the services? I guess if you really want/need to see it, people would pay the small fee.

You are correct -- actually individuals can receive one (1) free credit report from each of the three (3) credit bureaus, annually. So, smart folks can inspect their status by way of the credit report every four months, every year, for free.

Credit monitoring services essentially do this for you, for a fee. There are management services that will counsel you and your credit stance to keep your scores as high as they can be, and they help you to be lightly pre-qualified for the best rates and the largest loan amounts, whether it be cars or homes or whatever installment loan you are needing.

There doesn't seem to be a 'GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL OF APPROVAL' to sort out all these credit monitoring oufits, but I wouldn't touch one of them -- they simply direct information to you, and they can't legally discuss your particular circumstance with you. Only lawyers and mortgage professionals can legally pull your credit and review it with you. Mortgage professionals who offer products like ApprovalGUARD credit management services can help folks improve their credit scores by analyzing their quarterly reports.

True -- you can FSBO sell your own home, too. Also, people will often employ a credit repair agency when a certain time-frame (for a purchase, say) is important to them.
There really is a 'sea' of information out there for personal credit management. Some folks feel more comfortable 'swimming' through it with a coach.
When credit score is important to you, as when refinancing a home, credit & liability management can do wonders for those needing direction.

With all the negativity surrounding them I just thought of them as kind of like junk debt collectors. If there is hope out there through one of these agencies which one od the credit managing companies would anyone suggest?

Wow that sure is alot to offer. I am definately looking into that one. It helps to have people who have used a service to recommend one. It saves time and money so you don't waste it weeding out the bad ones. Thanks

Infact the poster also did not realize that. Hi Charles, thanks a lot for your help. We appreciate it but alas we have to follow the guidelines as well. But do you really need a credit management company?_________________Regards,
Laura.

I see you can really get a lot of money tied up in identity protection. I checked out a sit that was recommended www.optoutprescreen.com. They keep you from getting prescreen invitations to credit that apparently add soft injuries to your credit score. They want a monthly payment there too. I know that it is very important to protect your identity but with everyday living prices astronomical most of us can't add even more to their budget. They need to set something up that doesn't charge. Kind of like how they did the do not call list. In the end I think if you are truly strapped and just can't afford it your best defense is using the three free credit reports and checking yours every four months.

Your personal details (name, email address and phone number) will be delivered to the company advertised on the Creditmagic after ve agreed to go for the counseling session by filling out the no-obligation form. However, it is your discretion to accept or reject their services.

Not all the creditors/debt collectors agree to trim down the outstanding balances, interests, and fees payable by the consumer.

Consumers working with the debt relief companies can still be sued by the creditors/collection agencies.

Debt relief services may have a diminishing effect on the creditworthiness of the consumer. The total outstanding balance may increase as the additional fees get accrued.

The overall amount saved by the consumer through the debt relief services is considered as taxable income by the IRS.